Getting a Diagnosis of ADHD in Adults

Many adults aren't aware of their ADHD symptoms. A diagnosis as an adult may open up treatment options.

To be diagnosed with ADHD, you must have at least five persistent symptoms of inattention or hyperactivity-impulsivity. These symptoms should significantly interfere with your daily activities at work, at home, and socially. Talk therapy can help improve the communication skills and problem solving abilities. Counseling for marriage and family can be beneficial.

Symptoms

If you're suffering from symptoms of ADHD, it may seem that you're not living up to your potential. You may feel overwhelmed as an adult by the responsibilities you have to fulfill. You might be full-time at work, caring for aging parents or children, or managing household chores.

Inability to keep up can cause embarrassment and anger. You may be feeling hopeless or lose confidence, or even be embarrassed. If you suffer from ADHD It's not your fault. It's important to realize that there are solutions to your problems. The first step is an assessment.

A health care professional can identify ADHD in adults through a thorough psychiatric evaluation. This involves talking to you about your symptoms, having you fill out standardized behavior ratings scales and ADHD symptoms lists and obtaining details on your mental health and medical background. The doctor may also ask you about your family history of ADHD.

To qualify for a diagnosis of ADHD, you must have experienced at least five persistent symptoms of inattention and/or hyperactivity/impulsivity. These symptoms must have been present before the age of 12 and continue to cause problems with your daily activities. You should also be having difficulty with these behaviors at least in two different settings, including school, work and social relationships.

You may be late for appointments, make mistakes at work or home and not be able to meet your obligations if inattention is an issue. You might have difficulty managing your finances and health and may have a difficult to complete simple tasks, like taking medication, or going to the doctor for checkups.

People with ADHD can make difficult situations worse by acting before they think. You may interrupt conversations, respond to questions before people are finished or have trouble waiting in the line. Your impulsiveness can lead to risky behaviors like driving too fast or spending money recklessly.

Research suggests that genetics as well as environmental factors play a part in the development of ADHD. The symptoms of ADHD are likely to be passed down through the family, and some researchers believe that issues with your central nervous system at critical developmental phases increase your risk.

Diagnosis

A health care professional who specializes in ADHD can help evaluate adults who exhibit symptoms of the disorder. An assessment typically consists of an interview and a review of medical history, work or school records, family medical history and an examination for mental health. A specialized professional also may conduct a physical exam and/or laboratory tests to rule out other conditions that have similar symptoms. For an adolescent or adult to be diagnosed with ADHD, symptoms must be present for at least six months and result in significant impairment of everyday life activities.

People who have not been diagnosed or treated for ADHD may struggle all their lives with ongoing issues that could have been prevented or treated. This can lead to depression, family issues financial stress, work-related stress, substance abuse and even serious accidents, such as motor vehicle accidents.

Undiagnosed ADHD can result in confusion among family members, friends, and coworkers. They could be perceived by others as lazy, unreliable or a poor employee. Undiagnosed ADHD can also increase the chance of depression and anxiety.

Women are more adept at concealing ADHD symptoms than men. This makes it harder to get the correct diagnosis. They might resort to distractions or daydreaming to mask their impulsivity and inattention. Sometimes, they use strategies read more and tools to compensate for their poor time management and lack of organization. Women with ADHD may also have difficulty in recognizing their symptoms, since they are more likely than men to suffer from hyperactive or inattention symptoms.

It's important to understand that ADHD isn't a sign of intelligence or capacity. It's just an alternative behavior and way of thinking that can cause challenges in certain situations or environments.

Adults may exhibit different symptoms in comparison to children. However, the signs of ADHD in adults still meet the criteria set forth in the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, Fifth Edition (DSM-5)1.

Treatment

People with undiagnosed ADHD may struggle to get organized, stay on top of work or school tasks, and maintain healthy relationships. These symptoms can affect everyday functioning and lead to emotional issues like anxiety, depression or changes in mood. People suffering from hyperactivity or impulsive subtypes of the condition may appear restless and try to do several things at once, failing to finish tasks or meet deadlines. They may not pay attention to others, which could cause confusion or problems with relationships.

The symptoms of the disorder typically remain unnoticed in childhood, and many adults with them don't know they have ADHD. Instead of struggling to keep up in school and everyday life they may be viewed as either a dreamer or a slacker. Many people with ADHD experience worsening symptoms as their responsibilities grow. They are unable to manage all the balls they're trying keep on top of - pursuing a career, caring for family members, keeping up with chores and household chores, and working on social and romantic relationships.

A health care provider or mental health professional will evaluate whether a person has ADHD. The evaluation includes a discussion with family members or friends who are familiar with the individual as well as a physical exam and a review of the person's medical history. The person may also be asked to complete the standardized ADHD rating scales or a symptom checklist. Psychological tests are used to test executive and working memory as in addition to spatial and visual abilities.

Adults with ADHD are most commonly treated with stimulant drugs. They balance and increase levels of brain chemicals referred to as neurotransmitters. They can help people with ADHD concentrate better, organize their lives, and retain important information. They can also manage impulsive behaviors. Nonstimulant medications, such as antidepressants and atomoxetine, can be used to treat ADHD. They perform slower than stimulants, but they can still help improve symptoms. Patients with certain health problems, such as high blood pressure or diabetes should consult their doctor before taking stimulants.

Some adults suffering from ADHD might benefit from behavior coaching, individual therapy, self-help groups or vocational counseling. These interventions can help adults to cope with their ADHD symptoms as well as develop healthy relationships at home, in school and at work. Clinical trials will also be conducted with adults who suffer from ADHD. These studies aid scientists in learning more about new ways to identify, treat and prevent disorders like ADHD.

Follow-up

A thorough assessment of ADHD in adults by using a variety of assessment inventories will improve the accuracy of diagnosis and decrease misdiagnosis. A psychologist or psychiatrist who has experience treating ADHD in adult patients will usually conduct an extended interview. The examiner will also inquire with you about your your child’s past health problems, family dynamics, and lifestyle choices. The evaluator could also review your medical records and perform an examination of your physical.

Many people with ADHD also suffer from other psychiatric or medical conditions, such as anxiety and depression, which must be treated. It is estimated that those who suffer from ADHD are six times more likely to experience mood disorders. People who suffer from ADHD also have a higher risk of consuming alcohol.

Adults with ADHD often have a difficult time to get and keep jobs. They also have difficulty managing their finances and keeping up with household chores. Adults with ADHD are at a higher chance of developing other health problems, like heart disease, obesity, and smoking. They are also more likely to be prone to bad eating habits and have trouble forming and maintaining relationships with their partners.

In one study, adults were diagnosed with ADHD after receiving treatment in minor mental health facilities when they were children. However the sample size was very small. An expansion of the sample might have provided more information about the clinical course of ADHD in adulthood and its connection to other psychiatric disorders.

Research has demonstrated ADHD to be a persistent and persistent disorder in adults. It can have a negative impact on quality of living and lead to other conditions like mood disorders, learning disabilities, and addiction to alcohol and other drugs. People who do not treat ADHD are at a greater risk of being incarcerated or divorce, as well as being less socioeconomically stable and more serious mental health issues.

It is recommended that all adults with an uncontrolled or new diagnosis of symptoms of ADHD be evaluated within 30 days and every month thereafter until their symptoms are controlled. Adults who suffer from ADHD might require receiving psychotherapy or pharmacotherapy throughout their lives.